The Chronicle (South Tyneside and Durham)
Return of ex-loan star would ‘be huge’ - boss
SUNDERLAND manager Tony Mowbray will keep an eye on the situation of former loanee Ellis Simms as his Everton future is up in the air this summer.
Simms’ parent club are understood to be weighing up their options with the striker, who spent this first half of last season on Wearside before he was recalled in January.
After scoring seven goals in 17 games for the Black Cats, Simms, pictured, played 11 times for Everton after his recall and scored a massive goal in a 2-2 draw against Chelsea.
However, during the run-in Simms played just 10 minutes in Everton’s last seven league games and with 12 months left on his contract Sean Dyche may let the striker leave this summer.
There is no doubt that Tony Mowbray would love to bring Simms back to the Stadium of Light for next season and he was quoted talking about a potential return for the Englishman in January.
He said: “Ellis Simms, if he comes back will be huge for this club, because he gives us a focal point at the front end of the pitch. He scored some massively important goals before he was recalled to Everton.”
Sunderland may be forced to wait and see if Dyche brings in another striker at Everton as the Toffees were short on forwards when they recalled Simms last season.
Mowbray suffered a double blow when Simms was recalled as both he and Ross Stewart - who was injured long term - had formed a great partnership.
Despite losing both Stewart and Simms, Sunderland still made the play-offs with only one fit striker in Joe Gelhardt. If Simms returns and reignites his partnership with Stewart next season, the Black Cats could have a formidable attack.